Karnataka Govt. doctors resign em mass

Hundreds of doctors in government hospitals across the State put in their papers on Saturday in a move aimed at forcing the government to get district hospitals out of the jurisdiction of the medical education department. In 2006, several hospitals were handed over to the medical education department in an attempt to provide better facilities for medical courses,  meeting the norms of the Medical Council of India. 

The doctors now want these district hospitals in the State back with the health and family welfare department as senior doctors are losing out on district-level postings. 

“Till the person retires, the doctor will be working at taluk-level hospitals. If these hospitals are brought back under the purview of the health department, our doctors will get their rightful promotions to district hospitals,” said Dr Prem Kumar, secretary of Karnataka State Government Medical Officers’ Association.  Kumar said the hospitals could be used by the medical education department for clinical purposes for medical students, but the administration of the hospitals must be given back to the health department.  Association member Dr Srinivas observed that doctors are losing at least 60 posts in every district because of the problem.  The doctors are also demanding that allowances given to them must be added to their basic salary.  

“These are our only demands,” he specified. The association said it does not have a count of how many doctors actually resigned on Saturday.  ‘80 pc of docs may quit’They said it would be clear by Monday evening and that they expect 80 per cent to put in their papers by then. The members made it clear that though they have resigned, they would continue working till August 9, when the meeting is due with government officials. Health Minister Aravind Limbavali has convened a meeting to discuss the doctors’ demand on that day.  Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas will be attending the meeting.  “Till the meeting is held, the doctors should not strike work causing inconvenience to patients,” Limbavali said.  He had held a meeting with the doctors’ representatives on Friday, and said there was no reason to resign as the government is already looking into the issue.

Source : Deccan Herald